J.J. Abrams Talks Star Trek Into Darkness and Star Trek 3

In just a few short months, we’ll get to trek into darkness with the crew of the Enterprise for J.J. Abrams’ follow-up Star Trek Into Darkness. He spoke with CraveOnline about the film and as usual his lips stayed sealed about specifics – he wouldn’t even talk about the themes of the film.

“Theres nothing worse for me than reading what the theme of a book is or a movie and then reading it and being like: thats the theme. The theme is you feel it…I do think that by default this a deeper movie. Its certainly a bigger movie because the first one was kind of the origin story which is great because its so easy. You just introduce people and yet now they know each other so it has to go deeper.”

2009’s Star Trek boasted a very strong ensemble cast and it’s grown even larger for the new film, and it wasn’t easier finding everyone’s place the second time around.

Oh, Ive done that, itll be easier the next time. No, its harder the next time. But its important that every character needs to be in the story, otherwise they shouldnt be. But I wouldnt say it was easier.”

The identity of Benedict Cumberbatch’s character has been revealed as John Harrison, but many still believe he’s a new version of Khan, and Abrams is ready for people to just see the movie.

“I just cant wait for people to see the movie. Benedict is unbelievable. Its a tall order, coming into that movie, because the crew of the Enterprise, that cast is so damn good and theyre wonderful to work with and theyre all good hearts. So, to come into that group, as he did, as Alice Eve did and as Peter Weller did, and be one of the family was something that I was doubtful could happen. And he completely did it. I not only love him in the movie, but I love him, as a human being. Hes an amazing guy. I cant wait for people to see the movie and experience what hes done.”

One reason some still believe Cumberbatch to be playing Khan is a connection in the new trailer that is very similar to a key scene in Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan, but Abrams won’t say a word about it.

“Well, I would say that youve got to see the movie to see. I dont want to give away what that is, but weve all seen Wrath of Khan. With one or two exceptions, were not idiots. We are aware of the movie. I love Wrath of Khan.”

With the second movie almost out, it’s not too early to talk about a potential third film, but when Abrams was asked if he had thought about it at all he said no. They have stories in mind, though.

“No, sir, not yet. Im sure that the studio would love that to be a possibility but its up to the audience to decide if there needs to be one…There are things weve talked about but theres no script or anything, its just ideas.”